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* If you can hear the compressor running but the fridge isn’t cooling, the problem is most likely either [[Refrigerator Compressor Not Running#Section_Defrost_System_Malfunction|frost-clogged evaporator coils]] or a [[Refrigerator Compressor Not Running#Section_Failed_Condenser_or_Evaporator_Fan_Motor|stuck or broken evaporator fan]]. | |
- | * If you hear no sounds and the compressor isn't running, or you hear a click, inspect the [[Refrigerator Compressor Not Running#Section_Faulty_Overload_Relay|overload relay]], [[Refrigerator Compressor Not Running#Section_Faulty_Start_Relay|start relay]], and [[Refrigerator Compressor Not Running#Section_Faulty_Start_Capacitor|start capacitor]]. |
- | * If you hear constant and loud humming noise which doesn't shut off, your [[Refrigerator Compressor Not Running#Section_Faulty_Compressor|compressor may be broken]] or have a [[Refrigerator Compressor Not Running#Section_Refrigerant_Leaks|coolant leak]]. |
+ | * If you hear constant and loud humming noise which doesn't shut off, your [[Refrigerator Compressor Not Running#Section_Faulty_Compressor|compressor may be broken]] or have a [[Refrigerator Compressor Not Running#Section_Refrigerant_Leaks|refrigerant leak]]. |
- | == |
+ | == The Basics == |
- | == |
+ | You may want to take a look at the [[How a Refrigerator Works#Section_Components_Diagrams|component diagrams|new_window=true]] on our [[How a Refrigerator Works|How a Refrigerator Works|new_window=true]] page, which will help you understand where all of the major components are so that you can more easily locate them. |
- | It's important to perform regular fridge maintenance |
+ | It's also important to perform regular fridge maintenance. Keep it running well with these [[Refrigerator Maintenance|tips|new_window=true]]. |
- | |
+ | Before removing and replacing or continuity testing electrical components, power down the fridge. This will prevent damage to the components and prevent you from being electrocuted. |
- | Before removing and replacing or continuity testing electrical components, power down the fridge. This will prevent damage to the components and prevent you from being electrocuted. Still, some electrical components — like capacitors — will store their charge and should not be tampered with. |
+ | * If the fridge is pulled away from the wall, remove the plug. |
+ | * Otherwise, find the fridge’s circuit breaker in your breaker box and turn the circuit off. |
+ | * Check that the lights are off in in the fridge when you open the door |
- | * If the fridge is pulled away from the wall, or if the power switch is easily accessible, remove the plug. |
- | * Otherwise, find the fridge’s circuit breaker in your breaker box and turn the circuit off. |
- | ** Verify your fridge has lost power by opening the doors and seeing if the fridge lights turn on.[/quote] |
+ | === Incorrectly Loaded or Overloaded Fridge === |
- | |
+ | The evaporator fan blows cold air around the freezer. Too much food or incorrectly placed food will block the vents and prevent proper temperature regulation. The refrigerator vents allow for airflow between the fridge and freezer compartments. The following tips may help your freezer maintain a safe temperature: |
- | When working underneath the fridge, consider wearing gloves to avoid cuts from the sharp sheet metal. The sheet metal is the thin structural metal components mount to. While wearing gloves may make working more challenging, it’s worth protecting yourself.[/quote] |
+ | Locate your evaporator fan and move frozen items further away. |
+ | |
+ | Unblock the vents. A rule of thumb for frost prevention is to stock enough food to fill the freezer while keeping an inch of space between the food and the walls. |
+ | |
+ | === Incorrect Thermostat Setting === |
+ | |
+ | If your refrigerator has a knob or dial that sets the temperature, check it out. Verify it is set on cold and hasn't been bumped or shifted positions. Use a thermometer if you don't have a digital thermostat display. The freezer should be around 0°F (-18°C); the fridge around 34°F(2°C) |
=== Reset Power === | |
- | |
+ | You should try to reset the power to your fridge. |
- | * Unplug your refrigerator. If the plug is too hard to reach, switch the circuit breaker off. |
- | * Wait 5 minutes before returning power to the fridge. |
- | * Once power is back, open your freezer and push the light switch 3 times to trigger a cooling cycle. |
- | * Monitor temperature over the next 24 hours. |
+ | Unplug your refrigerator. If the plug is too hard to reach, switch the circuit breaker off. |
+ | |
+ | Wait 5 minutes before returning power to the fridge. |
+ | |
+ | This will reset your fridge but some modes need to be manually disabled. (see the next step) |
+ | |
+ | Monitor temperature over the next 24 hours. |
+ | |
[comment]solutions[/comment] | |
* Check the fan blade for physical obstructions | |
* Rotate the fan by hand. If it doesn't spin freely, replace the motor. | |
- | * If it spins freely, [guide|25632|test the motor for continuity|new_window=true]. [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=tb1aPLzo96o|Replace the condenser fan motor] if the continuity test fails. |
+ | * If it spins freely, [guide|25632|test the motor for continuity|new_window=true]. [link|https://youtube.com/watch?v=tb1aPLzo96o|Replace the condenser fan motor] with a [parts|Refrigerator|new one|itemtype=motors] if the continuity test fails. |
The ***evaporator fan*** draws air over the cooling coils and circulates this air within the fridge and freezer compartments. The evaporator fan should be running as long as the compressor motor is running. If your fridge only has one evaporator fan motor, it's located in the freezer compartment. When the fan fails, it won't circulate the cold air to the refrigerator. In this event, the freezer may still get cold while the refrigerator stays warm. | |
* Check the fan blade for physical obstructions. | |
- | * Note: The fan may not be running if it's iced up due to a |
- | * [[Freezer Ice Building Up|freezer building ice|new_window=true]] guide |
+ | * Note: The fan may not be running if it's iced up |
* Rotate the fan by hand. If it doesn't spin freely, replace the motor. | |
* If it spins freely, [guide|25632|test the motor for continuity|new_window=true]. [link|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-g2OKp40AU|Replace the evaporator fan motor] if the continuity test fails. | |
Frost-free appliances regulate temperature to prevent ice build-up. Automatic and adaptive defrost systems prevent and remove ice build-up by circulating heat as needed; automatic systems typically run on a timer, while adaptive systems use sensors to determine when to circulate the heat. | |
- | == Initial Troubleshooting == |
+ | === Initial Troubleshooting === |
The most modern freezers have an auto-defrost system. This defrost system has four main parts: a defrost heater, a bi-metal thermostat, an electronic control board, and a thermistor. Let's begin troubleshooting the defrost heater system. | |
== Defrost Thermal Fuse == | |
- | Like a breaker tripping under a power load, your thermal fuse may |
+ | Like a breaker tripping under a power load, your thermal fuse may blow when your defrost system overheats. One sign that your fuse may have blown is your evaporator freezing over. |
- | * Continuity test your fuse and replace it if the reading is more than 1Ω |
+ | * Continuity test your fuse and [parts|Refrigerator|replace it unit|itemtype=thermal_fuse] if the reading is more than 1Ω. |
== Faulty Defrost Heater == | |
- | The defrost heater melts frost off evaporator fins. If the defrost heater fails, the frost stays put and the entire |
+ | The defrost heater melts frost off the evaporator fins. If the defrost heater fails, the frost stays put, and the entire evaporator eventually becomes ice. |
[image|2911554|size=original|align=center] | |
* Locate the defrost heater. If you notice any bumps or cracks, replace immediately. | |
- | * [guide|25632|Continuity test the heater|new_window=true]. A resistance value outside 50-120Ω will need |
+ | * [guide|25632|Continuity test the heater|new_window=true]. A resistance value outside 50-120Ω will need to be replaced with a [parts|Refrigerator|new unit|itemtype=heating_elements]. |
== Faulty Defrost Timer == | |
* In units with an adaptive defrost control board, you'll have to manually enable the defrost cycle. | |
- | ** |
+ | ** For some models turn the thermostat off for 15 seconds, then on for 5 seconds. Repeat this two more times, then turn the thermostat off. |
** Defrost cycle should be turned on. Test temperature with a thermometer to see if your fridge is heating up. | |
* With a manual timer, test between terminals 1 and 4 for [guide|25632|continuity|new_window=true]. | |
** Continuity here means that the cooling cycle is operating. | |
* [link|https://youtu.be/WXPG5MtmKak?t=106|Rotate the manual dial until hearing a click]. Now test between pins 1 and 2 for continuity. This means that the heating cycle is working, and there should be no continuity between pins 1 and 4. | |
- | * Replace timer if continuity tests fail, or fridge doesn't enter defrost mode. |
+ | * Replace timer with a [parts|Refrigerator|new one|itemtype=timers] if continuity tests fail, or fridge doesn't enter defrost mode. |
== Temperature Control Thermostat Failure == | |
* [guide|25632|Continuity test the thermostat|new_window=true]. | |
* Make sure it's cold from the fridge or sitting in ice water. | |
- | * Replace if its resistance value is outside of 0-1Ω. |
+ | * Replace with a [parts|Refrigerator|new one|itemtype=thermostats] if its resistance value is outside of 0-1Ω. |
- | == |
+ | == Thermistor Failure == |
- | Another problem that prevents your fridge from getting cold enough is a faulty thermistor. The thermistor is a sensor which monitors the air temperature. It is connected to the control board. If the thermistor is defective, the refrigerator does not cool (or may cool continuously). |
+ | Another problem that prevents your fridge from getting cold enough is a faulty thermistor. The thermistor is a sensor that monitors temperature. It is connected to the control board. If a thermistor is defective, the refrigerator may not cool (or may cool continuously). This is not likely if the compressor is running but the unit is not cooling. |
+ | |
+ | There may be up to four thermistors on your fridge: |
+ | |
+ | * The fresh food compartment thermistor |
+ | * The fresh food defrost thermistor |
+ | * The freezer compartment thermistor |
+ | * The freezer defrost thermistor |
+ | |
+ | The compartment thermistors sense the air temperature in the compartment they are placed in. The defrost thermistors sense the evaporator temperature during a defrost cycle and prevent the defrost heater from overheating the evaporator. Since many refrigerators have evaporators in both the freezer and fresh food sections you can end up with four (or even five if the unit has an ambient air thermistor) |
[image|2910610|size=original|align=center] | |
- | * Grab a multimeter and [guide|25632|continuity test the thermistor|new_window=true]. You can measure the thermistor if it is 46 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) or colder. Place the thermistor tip into a cup of ice water and cool if you're above target temperature. |
- | * If the value isn't between 10—15kΩ, replace your temperature sensor. |
+ | Grab a multimeter and [guide|25632|continuity test the thermistor|new_window=true]. Place the thermistor tip into a cup of ice water made from ice, water (just enough to cover the ice) and salt. You will need to find information on the resistance value expected for your refrigerator's various thermistors at 32°F (0°C). |
+ | |
+ | Another possible cause is the defrost thermistor. This can keep the defrost cycle from running fully, allowing ice to build up, which will cause temperature problems in the refrigerator either because the evaporator in the freezer frosts up or because the fresh food compartment defrost is failing in a dual evaporator system. |
+ | |
+ | If the [parts|Refrigerator|thermistors|itemtype=thermistors] test ok go on to the next item. |
== Temperature Control Board Failure == | |
- | If the refrigerator is not cold enough, the temperature control board might be defective. The temperature control board provides voltage to the fan motors and compressor. The electronic control board starts the defrost cycle and regulates how often they are triggered. If the control fails, your fridge will not be able to defrost automatically. |
+ | If the refrigerator is not cold enough, the temperature control board might be defective. The temperature control board provides voltage to the fan motors and compressor. The electronic control board starts the defrost cycle and regulates how often they are triggered. If the control board fails, your fridge will not be able to defrost automatically. |
- | * These boards are often misdiagnosed. Check all other components to be certain this is the cause of the problem. |
+ | * These [parts|Refrigerator|boards|itemtype=control_panels] are often misdiagnosed. Check all other components to be certain this is the cause of the problem. |
- | == Faulty |
+ | == Faulty Capacitor == |
- | |
+ | Since the compressor is likely running for the freezer to work, this isn't as likely a failure. If the capacitor has failed, the compressor will not be able to start and run as it should. Most newer refrigerators use a run capacitor, which stays in the circuit and improves the energy efficiency of the compressor. Some older refrigerators may have a start capacitor, which functions just at startup. These are not as common. |
- | |
+ | You may be able to tell what kind you have by looking at a couple of factors. Many run capacitors are polymer-type capacitors with a small rectangular block shape. There are cylindrical run capacitors, but they are less common (some LG fridges have them). The capacitance values of run capacitors tend to be smaller on refrigerators, something between 10 and 22µF (µF stands for microfarads, also abbreviated MFD). |
- | * Safely remove the capacitor and [guide|75901|discharge|new_window=true] with a discharge tool. |
- | ** On smaller capacitors, you can use a screwdriver to discharge. But [link|https://youtu.be/eQsfuS0VjJE?t=304|be careful] as capacitors increase in size. |
- | * [link|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmK4ArtR5pQ|Test the start capacitor] first with a capacitance meter; they don't fail often. If it's faulty, replace it. |
+ | [image|2911562|size=original|caption=A Typical Run Capacitor] |
- | = |
+ | Safely remove the capacitor and [guide|75901|discharge|new_window=true] with a discharge tool. |
- | |
+ | On smaller capacitors, you can use a screwdriver with an insulated handle to discharge it. But [link|https://youtu.be/eQsfuS0VjJE?t=304|be careful] as capacitors increase in size. |
- | {table |
- | |width=100% |
- | |format=50%c:c |
- | | [image|2910795|size=large|align=center] |
- | | [image|2916847|size=large|align=center] |
- | } |
+ | Test the capacitor with a capacitance meter; [parts|Refrigerator|replace it|itemtype=capacitors] if the value measured is outside the tolerance listed on the capacitor (usually +/- 5-10%). |
- | * Check the overload relay for signs of overheating or arcing. |
- | ** This may be a hot module, burnt, or rattles when shaken. |
- | * [guide|25632|Check for continuity|new_window=true] with a multimeter. |
- | ** [link|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmK4ArtR5pQ|Flip the unit over] and test again. If there's no continuity, replace the unit. |
+ | A very quick functional check for a capacitor is to set your multimeter to the continuity function with the beeper on. Connect the capacitor to the leads for a few seconds. Then, swap the leads to the opposite terminals. If the capacitor is at least storing some charge, you should get a short beep. This will not tell you if the capacitance is correct, only that the capacitor will store charge. |
- | |
+ | When you replace a capacitor, get the exact type of the existing capacitor and the same capacitance value. You can safely use a capacitor with the same or higher voltage rating than the original. |
- | The start relay is a small device mounted to the side of the compressor. It provides power to the run winding, along with the start winding, for a split second at startup to help get the compressor going. If the start relay is defective, the compressor may run intermittently or not at all, and the refrigerator will not get cold enough. The start relay should be replaced if defective. |
- | |
- | [video|https://youtu.be/nx7l9kY2_bU?t=22] |
- | |
- | * Test Start Relay with a multimeter. View the video above and verify if your start relay is functioning. |
- | * Replace relay if it fails the testing or has a burnt odor. Depending on your start relay, you may have to test the start capacitor and overload relay first and use a process of elimination. If the other two components pass continuity tests, and your compressor isn't starting, try replacing your start relay. |
- | |
- | == Faulty Compressor == |
- | |
- | The compressor — also called the condenser — is the workhorse of your fridge. By pressurizing the refrigerant, the evaporator is able to create cold air. If the compressor is very noisy when you start it up, it may have been damaged in transit, or you could just have a faulty compressor. |
- | |
- | If the overload relay, start relay and start capacitor pass continuity testing, then you may have a defective compressor. |
- | |
- | [video|https://youtu.be/zYIC7LMkKak?t=129] |
- | |
- | * Test the compressor for continuity by following the video above. |
- | * Resistance values vary based on compressor. |
- | * Values outside of the range or a short to ground will mean replacing the compressor, which is a costly repair. |
- | * If your fridge is more than a few years old, you may be better off replacing the fridge instead of the compressor. |
- | |
- | == Compressor Inverter Board Failure == |
- | |
- | Modern refrigerator compressor technology has shifted from single phase DC motors to 3-phase DC-controlled AC motors. |
- | |
- | What this means is that instead of the start relay assembly normally attached to the compressor pins — the start relay, overload relay, and overload capacitor — there is now a sealed motherboard and a lot of wires. The inverter board modulates the power supplied to the compressor and allows for more efficient operation. |
- | |
- | [image|2928869|size=large|align=center] |
- | |
- | This new technology is harder to test, so this video may be helpful. |
- | |
- | [video|https://youtu.be/Tq1jBtjjiFY?t=128] |
- | |
- | The inverter board must be tested by process of elimination. |
- | |
- | * First, test the input voltages. The inverter board will have both a 120V AC main power supply voltage, and a 4-6V DC voltage from the main control board. Remember to make all voltage measurements with everything connected. |
- | * If one of these voltages is missing, the inverter board will not work. |
- | ** Backtrack to find the issue. You could have a faulty wire harness connector, a bad motherboard, or another issue. |
- | * Second, follow the compressor continuity testing from above to verify your compressor isn't shorted and is okay. |
- | ** If the compressor is fine, and the board input voltages are fine, then your inverter board has failed and needs replacing. |
+ | If everything checks out, go to the next item. |
== Refrigerant Leaks == | |
* Check and test the defrost system, cooling fans, and cooling controls first. | |
- | * If none of the other components are defective, consider replacing the main control board. |
+ | * If none of the other components are defective, consider [parts|Refrigerator|replacing the main control board|itemtype=boards]. |
+ | |
+ | == Faulty Compressor == |
+ | |
+ | The compressor is your fridge's workhorse. By pressurizing the refrigerant, the compressor ultimately enables the evaporator to chill air. If the compressor is very noisy when you start it up, that's a bad sign, but give it 90 seconds or so to stabilize and get quieter. |
+ | |
+ | [video|https://youtu.be/zYIC7LMkKak?t=129] |
+ | |
+ | * Test the compressor for continuity by following the video above. |
+ | * Resistance values vary based on the compressor. |
+ | * Values outside of the range or a short to ground will mean replacing the compressor with a [parts|Refrigerator|new one|itemtype=compressors], which is a costly repair. |
+ | * If your fridge is over a few years old, you may be better off replacing the fridge instead of the compressor. |
+ | |
+ | == Compressor Inverter Board Failure == |
+ | |
+ | Modern refrigerator compressor technology has shifted from single-phase motors to 3-phase DC-controlled AC motors. |
+ | |
+ | This means that instead of the start relay assembly normally attached to the compressor pins — the start relay, overload relay, and overload capacitor — there is now a sealed motherboard and many wires. The inverter board modulates the power supplied to the compressor, allowing for more efficient operation. |
+ | |
+ | [image|2928869|size=large|align=center] |
+ | |
+ | This new technology is harder to test, so this video may be helpful. |
+ | |
+ | [video|https://youtu.be/Tq1jBtjjiFY?t=128] |
+ | |
+ | The inverter board must be tested by the process of elimination. |
+ | |
+ | * First, test the input voltages. The inverter board will have both a 120V AC main power supply voltage and a 4-6V DC voltage from the main control board. Remember to make all voltage measurements with everything connected. |
+ | * If one of these voltages is missing, the inverter board will not work. |
+ | ** Backtrack to find the issue. You could have a faulty wire harness connector, a bad motherboard, or another issue. |
+ | * Second, follow the compressor continuity testing from above to verify your compressor isn't shorted and is okay. |
+ | ** If the compressor is fine, and the board input voltages are fine, then your [parts|Refrigerator|inverter board|itemtype=boards] has failed and needs replacing. |
[comment]conclusion[/comment] | |
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